Tennessee baseball head coach Josh Elander shared an injury update on one of Tennessee’s top middle infielders following the Vols’ series sweep of Nicholls.
After starting at shortstop on opening day, Manny Marin did not play in games two and three of the Nicholls series. The games were played back-to-back in a Saturday doubleheader.
In his place, Chris Newstrom and Ariel Antigua started both games at second base and shortstop, respectively.
Marin was hit by a pitch during practice or a scrimmage last weekend, causing the sophomore to miss both games of the doubleheader.
“Manny got hit with a pitch last weekend,” Elander said. “He’s been kind of navigating that all week. We feel good about it. Woody (Jeff Wood) and Klenck (Dr. Chris Klenck) have done an amazing job with him. I think with a little bit of the colder weather last night, it was a little bit tight – I guess would be the right term.
“He had an X-ray pregame, it was negative, so he’ll be day-to-day. We don’t see him missing a lot of time, but obviously, he’s a huge piece for us. But at this point in the year, just want to keep the big picture in mind with Manny.”
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Elander’s positive update suggests the fact that Marin’s injury is not serious. In fact, he could be back in action as soon as next week.
But with the level of competition Tennessee faced and will face until the end of February, it’s best for the coaching staff to exercise caution with key players.
Elander is doing the same with other players. Star left-handed pitcher Brandon Arvidson is dealing with arm soreness and did not pitch in the Nicholls series. Utility man Blake Grimmer is dealing with back soreness and is yet to make his season debut.
All three Vols will make their season debuts soon, but it will not be until they are 100%.
